Female student in class

Department of English and Cultural Studies

Our English And Cultural Studies Program

The undergraduate and graduate English programs offered at Western New England University prepare students to read carefully, think critically, and communicate persuasively. Our students become engaged, independent thinkers with the discipline to shape their own insights into meaningful, creative, and scholarly work. The result is a set of versatile skills that serve our graduates well in a wide variety of fields including education, fiction-writing, journalism and publishing, law, and business. Students of the department have gone on to have various achievements and even present at conferences across the country.

The department offers three programs for undergraduates: American StudiesCreative Writing, and English. At the graduate level, it oversees the Master of Arts in English for Teachers program. English majors may also pursue study in the Secondary Education program in conjunction with the Department of Education.

Members of the Department of English faculty are accomplished scholars, writers, and poets who are actively engaged in the creative and scholarly pursuits for which we train our students. First and foremost, though, the faculty members are teachers and mentors to our majors. Small classes and individual relationships allow faculty to work closely with students to set them on a course for success in their studies and beyond.

Minors

Additional Opportunities

The Writing Center offers one-on-one services by College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA) levels I and II certified tutors. Tutors will work with students on writing and reading assignments in any course and at any stage in the writing process. Students may meet with a tutor on a regular basis, schedule an appointment when needed, or take advantage of walk-in tutoring services.

The Department's own Common Ground Review is a twice yearly publication of well-crafted poems, short stories, and creative nonfiction. The Review welcomes submissions each spring.

Submit to the Annual Poetry Contest

College of Arts and Sciences News

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Nine history students pose around the registration table and the American History Association annual meeting

Western New England Students Experience History in the Making at 2025 AHA Annual Meeting 

Nine History and History/Secondary Education majors, along with Professors Meri Clark and Andrea Castonguay, attended the 136th Annual Meeting of the American Historical Association (AHA) in New York City.

University News, Arts and Sciences
Professor John Baick stands in front of Herman Hall with arms crossed.

Faculty in the News: John Baick Offers Expert Insight on Historic Papal Transition 

WNE's Dr. John Baick, professor of history, was recently quoted in the Associated Press, exploring how Americans relate to the newly elected pope.

University News, Arts and Sciences
Shot of 56 WNE student athletes on gym floor under the Golden Bear logo.

WNE Inducts 56 Student-Athletes into Chi Alpha Sigma National Honor Society

Fifty-six student-athletes from 17 varsity sports were inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma National Honor Society—the National College Athlete Honor Society—during the Thursday, May 1 ceremony in the Downes Athletic Hall of Fame Room.

University News, Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering